For example: If your rabbit is digging in their cage or a designated area where they're allowed to dig, give them a treat! You might try rabbit repellent, it works to keep some rabbits from chewing furniture or walls. If you need to try others on alternatives, ensure they are safe. Since he likes chewing, make sure your house has been rabbit-proofed. 1. A piece of scrap carpet or an old towel – be careful as it may cause intestinal blockages if ingested. E. Cuniculi in Rabbits, Recovery, and Fenbendazole, Rabbit Digging in Lawn, Yard, Cages or House Items, Can Rabbits Eat Roses – Rose Bushes and Petals. Rabbits live almost everywhere and are usually relatively harmless. Curtains/blinds. Finally, do not underestimate the ability of these pets to rip, tear, chew, shred and destroy anything they come across. I suggest you take him to a vet right away. We want to see pets stay in homes whenever possible. Here are some good tips! Bitter sprays and other taste deterrents can be helpful to stop your bunny chewing things. My first reaction when my rabbit would start chewing the furniture, rug, or molding was to firmly say, “No!” and clap my hands. Also, boredom, frustration, stress, and not getting enough attention can be other possible causes. Then, gradually work on desensitizing your rabbit to those triggers by giving it treats and showing it affection during those situations, which will teach it not to be afraid or aggressive. Find out how other bunny moms use them the right way. The activities suggested below for addressing digging would also help as part of a wider lifestyle change to relieve boredom. A. Rabbits are the third most popular pet in Britain, but there are still more than 30,000 in rescue centres (so well done for taking Ben into your home). You could also try covering the chewable areas of your sofa with tin foil to discourage him, although this is not the most aesthetic option. Its just what rabbits do. Bunnies that roam freely within your house tend to chew on baseboards. I have had my rabbit for 2half years now and in the last 4/5 weeks she has began to urinate on my couch, chair and pouffae etc. This is really only a problem for house rabbit owners in terms of damage to their furniture and carpets. As you've got an indoor rabbit, he will have limited space to run around, so perhaps he is getting bored. I have had my rabbit for 2half years now and in the last 4/5 weeks she has began to urinate on my couch, chair and pouffae etc. Bunny proofing your house may help reducing the chewing and digging habit especially if it is too destructive. How to protect your curtains and blinds and stop your bunny chewing them and using gentle discipline alongside enrichment to change your bunnies behaviour. Provide your rabbit with fresh clean water at all times and check her supply at least once per day to ensure that she has enough water. This will include things such as spraying your various valuables. I have had my rabbit for 2half years now and in the last 4/5 weeks she has began to urinate on my couch, chair and pouffae etc. Imagine how you might feel with a stranger peering in at your hotel room to see the place.) When you've said "no" and Ben still goes back to chew the sofa, put him in the play pen for a couple of minutes. But an inside rabbit, if bored, will at the carpet making holes in it. Read our full mailing list consent terms here, Remember that if an animal shows signs of distress or discomfort an early visit to the vet is always recommended. Feb 10, 2017 - How to stop chewing and digging damage, block access behind and underneath your couch plus using gentle discipline and enrichment to change your bunnies behaviour. How to Stop Inappropriate Chewing . A more practical idea is to clap your hands and firmly say "no" if your bunny chews the sofa, giving him a toy to chew instead. Your bunny will need to reach up to pull the greens down, providing lots of enrichment for it. Curtains/blinds. Be consistent and after your rabbit is older, good chance he’ll mellow out and won’t … Ingested filling material can also be a serious risk and cause GI stasis. These pets can chew wires, codes, and cables including those in your house, car wires and so on. Adolescent and younger bunnies tend to chomp more than older ones because of among many reasons, the older ones know tastes of many things [1] while the young ones are still curious and exploring. It began just when I wasn;t in the room but now she is jumping up on the opposite of where I am sitting and starting. It began just when I wasn;t in the room but now she is jumping up on the opposite of where I am sitting and starting. This will include things such as spraying your various valuables. Allowing your rabbit to chew wood and cardboard is ok. However, if you notice your bunny chewing cage bars or heir hutch, it could be due to the various triggers we have mentioned including frustration, congestion, boredom, hormonal issues, feeling restricted from their territory and so on. The most insightful comments on all subjects will be published daily in dedicated articles. Another cheap alternative is those $1 beach mats made of straw. While I thought this would help her understand that her behavior was undesirable, I quickly realized that it wasn’t as effective as I’d hoped. Furniture can be moved to cover up already damaged spots and prevent further chewing. My first reaction when my rabbit would start chewing the furniture, rug, or molding was to firmly say, “No!” and clap my hands. Chewing and urinating on things are normal behaviors for rabbits. This is really only a problem for house rabbit owners in terms of damage to their furniture and carpets. They are like mice, their teeth don't stop growing. It allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and more. Today he discovered how tasty the corner of the sofa can be... bad news for me Their teeth are always growing so if they stop chewing, they will have major medical problems. Are they being kept cooped up inside their hutch by themselves while you and the kids are at work or in school? He will associate this behavior with your warning and stop it. Some good  items will include: These are just but a few items you can give to your furry friend. To stop a rabbit's biting habit, start by determining what situations trigger your rabbit to bite, like being picked up or being fed. You need to use these sprays regularly. You’ve just lived the recurring nightmare of every pet owner with new furniture. You can also choose to be emailed when someone replies to your comment. It has some benefits that include: Whereas it has benefits, there are some obvious downsides of this habit, especially if it happens to some non-food things as some of them might be unsafe, get damaged or be hazardous including poisonous home plants, electric codes, corners of baseboards, wallpapers, bedding, wooden wall, car wires, carpets, and so on. How to stop rabbits chewing wires and everything? Therefore, it will help reduce boredom. He chews the sofa and we can't seem to stop him. Learn some of the best ways to stop this destructive behavioral problem. When they do this, you will often find holes on especially on the backside of your sofa, gnawed wooden edges, and some may also dig on these items at the same time. My rabbit lives outside but is allowed to come into our lounge when we are home. ! Also, use ‘timeouts’ such as putting him or her into a cage or hutch for some minutes when this behavior crops up. Psychologically, it is enjoyable and fun. Always, unneutered rabbits tend to chew more than those that are neutered besides having other behaviors such as being more aggressive, territorial, digging more, and so on. Before using them, ensure the various sprays you plan on using are safe and only buy them from your local pet store. Give Your Rabbits More Hay. How to stop rabbit digging behavior. Does this sound familiar? However, hutch rabbits also love to nibble, chew and dig, even if they don't get the chance to do it, and their need for stimulation is greater than house rabbits. Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. Digging-Rabbits dig or burrow instinctively. How to stop rabbits chewing wires and everything? Death is possible from the initial electrocution or side effects of the damage it does to the mouth. Never yell or hit your rabbit, this won’t stop him from chewing but only cause him to be afraid of you. Powered by WordPress. This behavior helps wear down their ever-growing teeth and it will prevent other dental problems. Jan 10, 2012 - Tazzee asks "How do I get my rabbit to stop chewing on the sofa and on my presents?" People who let their rabbits exercise outside in the garden need to supervise them to avoid this behavior since things such as rabbit digging up lawns, yard or garden can happen.